Joyce D. Backman

Joyce D. (DeStafney) Backman, age 80, passed away on January 6, 2022 at her home in Hockessin, DE.

Joyce was born in West Grove, PA in 1941 to the late Peter F. and Della B. DeStafney. She grew up on the family farm in Yorklyn, Delaware and graduated from Conrad High School in 1959. During her lifetime she held several positions in the construction industry but she enjoyed her years as a regional sales engineer at Graver Tank and MFG. Co. the most. She retired from Delaware Park. Joyce enjoyed spending time with her friends, reading, gardening, bird watching, and her pets.

She is survived by her daughter, Heather J. Ironside (Nicholas G. Calfo), brother, Edward DeStafney, and sister Irene Wendleguest.

A visitation will be held from 10-11:00 am on Tuesday, January 18, 2022 at Chandler Funeral Home, 7230 Lancaster Pike, Hockessin, DE, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 am at Chandler Funeral Home. Interment will be at St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Hockessin, DE. In lieu of flowers, donations in Joyce’s name can be sent to Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue at P.O. Box 216, Miles, TX 76861

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Funeral Services

A visitation will be held from 10-11:00 am on Tuesday, January 18, 2022 at Chandler Funeral Home, 7230 Lancaster Pike, Hockessin, DE, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 am at Chandler Funeral Home. Interment will be at St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Hockessin, DE. In lieu of flowers, donations in Joyce’s name can be sent to Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue at P.O. Box 216, Miles, TX 76861

Condolences

Sandy (Smith) Boucher writes,

Heather, I am so very sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. I loved her like a sister. She was so very kind to me as a child as were your grandparents. I have so many memories of her and them… all so happy. My most sincere and heartfelt sympathy, Love, Sandy

01/15/2022 09:31 am

Kathy Biehn writes,

Dear Heather, It was a very sad day to hear of your mom's passing. I have so many fun and fond memories of us all over the many decades. Today, and always, your mom will forever hold a special place in our hearts. I extend my deepest sympathies to you during this difficult time. With love, Kathy

01/16/2022 02:01 pm

Laura Steptoe writes,

Ms. Joyce ~ your kind and gentle nature will be missed.

01/17/2022 02:40 pm

Tina Derke writes,

I was shocked & saddened to hear about Joyce. I was Joyce’s part-time secretary many years ago. We became fast friends. I was going through a divorce & she was so supportive. Somehow, down the road we lost touch. I remarried & started a new life. I was living in Avondale for many years & thought about Joyce a lot. Little did I know that she was still at the same house. I so wish we had reconnected. Joyce was a wonderful, lively, fiery person. The world has lost a wonderful soul. My condolences.💔💔

01/23/2022 03:56 pm

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